Family Gets $330,000 Judgment After Police Shoot, Kill Dog
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A jury has awarded more than $330,000 to a family whose dog was killed by Chicago Police.
As WBBM Newsradio's Dave Berner reports, in February 2009, police had a warrant to search a both units of a two-flat residence in the 9200 block of South Justine Street, according to the Chicago Tribune. Authorities said it was a drug raid.
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At home at the time were Thomas and Darren Russell, then 18, and when of them opened the door, police were standing there with guns drawn.
Thomas Russell said he put his hands up and asked permission to lock up his black Labrador, Lady, before the officers came in, the Tribune reported.
The lawsuit claims that the dog approached the officers, not growling or attacking, but with her tail wagging. But Officer Richard Antonsen shot the dog.
Although arrested for obstructing police, Thomas Russell was later found not guilty. Although drugs were found in the building's other unit, none were found in the Russell apartment.
Chicago Law Department spokeswoman Jennifer Hoyle tells the Tribune says the city is disappointed by the jury's action and is reviewing options.
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